Introduction to Civilization 7
The latest installment of the civilization franchise, Civilization 7, has made waves not just for its gameplay but for its engaging approach to history. The blend of fact and fantasy allows players to interact with historical figures in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Just imagine going toe-to-toe with Harriet Tubman while reigning as Han Dynasty Emperor Niccolò Machiavelli!
Dr. Andrew Johnson’s Vision
Dr. Andrew Johnson, Firaxis’ senior historian, harbors a passionate hope that games like Civilization will nudge players toward traditional learning. As an associate professor, he faces a disheartening reality: his undergraduates often shy away from reading. “My god, man, they don’t read!” he jokes, lamenting the challenge of instilling a love for history in his students. His vision? To turn the epic quests in Civilization into a spark that ignites an interest in historical books.
The Educational Potential
Civilization 7 isn’t a textbook—it’s more of a gateway drug to the world of history. Dr. Johnson argues that if players engage with characters like Machiavelli or Queen Amina of Zazzau, they might be encouraged to learn more. The game encourages questions—”How is the Ming Dynasty different from the Han Dynasty?”—and with every answer, it promises to make history more relatable, fun, and accessible, therefore enriching the player’s understanding.
In summary, while Civilization 7 delights in the twists of history, there’s an underlying goal: to foster a deeper appreciation of the past through its interactive medium. Playing may just lead you to pick up a history book and explore the fascinating tales that shape our world.
